In addition to creating a family-pleasing meal, you can also serve this dish as a snack at parties by cutting the links into one-inch sections after it’s prepared. The sausage is simmered in a light barbecue sauce laced with bourbon.
11/2 pounds Turkey, Apple, and Sage Sausage links, American Breakfast Sausage links, or purchased sausage
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup Gingered Barbecue Sauce or purchased barbecue sauce
3/4 cup Chicken Stock or purchased low-sodium stock
1/3 cup bourbon
1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons whole grain Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons cornstarch
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1. Separate sausage into links, if necessary, and prick sausages with the tip of paring knife or the tines of a sharp meat fork.
2. Heat oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Brown sausages on all sides, turning them gently with tongs. Remove sausages from the skillet, and set aside.
3. Add onion and garlic to the skillet, and cook, stirring frequently, for 3 minutes, or until onion is translucent. Add barbecue sauce, stock, bourbon, brown sugar, and mustard to the skillet. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Simmer sauce over low heat, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
4. Return sausages to the skillet, bring to a boil, and simmer sausages, covered, over low heat, turning occasionally with a slotted spoon, for 20 to 25 minutes, or until sausages are very tender. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.
Note: The dish can be made up to 2 days in advance and refrigerated, tightly covered. Reheat it over low heat or in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes, or until hot.